A suicide bombing occurred in Iraq on 24 November 2016[2] when a truck bomb exploded at a petrol station in Hillah, some 100 kilometers (62 miles) from southern Baghdad, killing at least 125 people and injuring many others.
The pilgrims were on their way back to Iran from the holy city of Karbala after participating in the annual Arba'een Pilgrimage. According to a police official, five buses filled with pilgrims stopped by a famous restaurant, next to a petrol station, burst into flames after the detonation of an "explosives-laden truck".[8] According to a report, the bomb had been packed with 500 liters of ammonium nitrate.[1]
Reportedly, the Hillah suicide truck bombing happened a day after dozens of bombings in and around Baghdad by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in which 31 people were killed and over 100 injured.[9][10] There were some attacks during Arba'een this year, but these were insignificant compared to incidents in previous years. Despite ongoing dangers, people from around the world continued their journey to Karbala.[11] According to Iraqi officials, approximately three million Iranians visited Iraq, making them the largest contingent of foreigners at the Arba'een Pilgrimage in 2016.[12]
Iran – Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi condemned the attack[8] and said that Iran would continue to support Iraq's "relentless fight against terrorism."[13] Furthermore, in a message, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani criticized the attack stating that it is a sign of frustration among the terrorists who could not bear the peaceful rituals managed and observed in the city of Karbala during the current Arbaeen pilgrimage.[14]
United States – The White House issued a statement that read it condemns the attack saying the bombing "was clearly intended to stoke sectarian tensions."[15]
Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani condemned the Hilla attack and warned that the perpetrators would receive a response to their crimes on the battleground at Mosul.[16]
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
